Welcome to Teak 5!
2025 – 2026
Mrs Brennan/Mrs Lewin - Class Teachers
Mrs Komuszynska, Mrs Williams, Mrs Crosby - Teaching Assistants
Spring 2
Polesworth and Coal Mining
Year 5 were visited by the Fire Service this week and were fantastic role models for Birchwood. Both Josh and Chris, the Firefighters who visited us, were amazed at the knowledge of our children and gave out many dojos for fantastic answers.
First, we learned about common ways that a fire can start and watched a video about how quickly fire spreads, which was really surprising and quite frightening to watch. We found out about hoax 999 calls and the impact this can have, as well as what to do if we were involved in a fire and the importance of a fire action plan.
We also learned about some of the other things that a Firefighter's job involves, such as flood assistance, helping with road accidents and dealing with harmful substances such as fuel spillages. The children had the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session and came up with some very insightful questions to ask.
Well done Year 5!
Year 5 spent a morning looking at the work of artist William Morris, who created wallpaper designs during the Victorian times by printing repeated patterns inspired by nature. After sketching some initial ideas, they came up with a final design, which they then transferred onto a polystyrene plate via tracing paper. Next they used ink rolling to print their design in a repeated pattern. It was lots of fun!
In PE this half term, we have been learning throwing, catching, teamwork and communication skills in Dodgeball.
Year 5 had an amazing, fun-filled day celebrating World Book Day with lots of exciting activities, including live lessons. We were also very lucky to have one of our governors visit us to read a story, which the children thoroughly enjoyed. After lunch Miss Lowe rang the bell for DEAR time (Drop Everything and Read), where everyone took time to appreciate their favourite books. Later in the day, we also performed our poem to Yew 6 and enjoyed listening to them recite theirs. What a wonderful day celebrating the joy of reading.
Spring 1
English Civil War
Year 5 have been making delicious tomato and basil bread in their DT lessons. They worked fantastically in teams to follow the recipe; measuring ingredients using weighing scales and measuring jugs, mixing, kneading and shaping, chopping and then of course the best bit - cooking and sampling! Some of the children even took the recipe home to have a go at making it again at home. You really impressed us all with your teamwork and cookery skills.
Year 5 had a fabulous NSPCC Numbers Day. We started the day by finding out why we take part in Number Day and about the work the NSPCC does. After reading the book 'The Rabbit Problem' by Emily Gravatt, which followed the Fibonnaci sequence, we did some pattern finding throughout the story. We also looked at Fibonnaci in nature and tried to incorporate this into some artwork. We then learned about another Mathematician, Pascal, and completed 'Pascal's Triangle'. Finally, we took part in the TTRS ‘NSPCC Rocks’ as well as solving a variety of puzzles including WWN challenges, ‘Who wants to be a Mathionaire’, Code Breaking and Pattern Finding. Phew! What a busy, enjoyable day!
This week, Year 5 pupils from Sycamore and Teak classes had an exciting visit to Polesworth Abbey! This trip was a fantastic way for them to dive into the history they’ve been learning about in class and learn new facts. Polesworth Abbey, which dates all the way back to the 8th century, was once a bustling Benedictine nunnery and has so many stories to tell. The pupils were fascinated by the stunning architecture and the intriguing tales of the people who lived there told by Father Philip. We are thankful to Father Philip for sharing his knowledge and showing us around so we could experience the Abbey.
In RE, we have been learning more about the religion of Islam. We found out about Laylat al-Quadr - 'The Night of Power' - and why it is so important to Muslims. We then read a number of stories from Islam, such as Bilal and the Beautiful Butterfly, The Crying Camel and The Religious Man and the Shopkeeper. While reading, we thought about the key messages within each story and what Muslims hope to learn from reading and sharing them. As a class, we reflected on how religious stories may help people lead better lives.
‘Muslims all believe that you should take care of every animal no matter what size they are and no matter how dangerous they could be. They always try to think of Allah,’ Theo.
‘Bilal and the Beautiful Butterfly told us about how Allah made the caterpillar and the butterfly. The butterfly helped the man and this shows Muslims that, if you take of something, it will take care of you,’ Ezra and Theo.
‘From the stories, we learnt that if you are trying to do something kind and friendly for someone, they might do something for you in return,’ Finn.
In PE this half term, Teak 5 have enjoyed taking part in gymnastics activities and developing their tennis skills.
